Autism Treatment Network

The Autism Treatment Network (ATN) is the first bi-national network of hospitals, physicians, researchers, and families at 14 centers across the United States and Canada. Funded by Autism Speaks, we are collectively working to develop the most effective approach to medical care for children and adolescents affected by autism. The ATN also functions as Autism Intervention Research Network on Physical Health.

Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital is the lead site of the ATN in Toronto. Other sites in Toronto include SickKids Hospital and Surrey Place Centre.

Several projects are currently underway through the Autism Treatment Network.

ATN Registry Call-Back Study

We are following a subset of children enrolled in the ATN registry during the first two cycles (2008-2011 and 2011-2014), allowing more data to be collected across a wide range of age, medical co-morbidity, and levels of functional impairment.

Autism Learning Network Database

The ATN is creating a Learning Network Database to look at general healthcare in children and youth with autism spectrum disorders in order to identify what works from a treatment perspective and areas for improvement.

ECHO Autism

Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) Autism is a new distance-learning program that trains primary care providers in best-practice care for autism. ECHO Autism will launch a pilot at Holland Bloorview in March 2017. Learn more

Dissemination & training for health professionals

It is critical that the work of the ATN be collaboratively shared with autism spectrum disorder centers, physicians, and therapists to improve medical care for all children with autism spectrum disorders. This includes, but is not limited to, clinical and health-related research outcomes and training for health professionals.

Several paediatrician resources have been developed to disseminate up-to-date best practice information on healthcare of persons with ASD. Read more:

The ATN team also offers education and training in the community, including information sessions for school bus drivers, camp directors and staff, and many community organizations.

Resources, Publications and Toolkits

ATN-AIRP Resources

Toolkits have been developed to help address real-life challenges and issues related to children with autism spectrum disorders, including sleep, medication, toilet training, feeding and more. Toolkits are developed for professionals and families.